Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with feast-worthy menus, lion dances and Lunar New Year rituals.


Chinese New Year arrives on 17 February 2026, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolises energy, freedom and forward momentum, making it a fitting excuse to book a table, raise a toast and lean into the season’s traditions. From elevated Cantonese banquets to rooftop dinners under lantern light, these are our top picks of where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai.

Anwā

Bab Al Shams is welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse with a desert-set Chinese New Year celebration. At Anwā, the resort’s rooftop Pan-Asian lounge, guests can dine beneath the night sky with a special set menu priced at AED 888 per couple. Expect Chinese New Year-inspired cocktails, festive red and gold lanterns, and a live lion dance performance to set the mood. Available from 17 February to 3 March.

GO: Call 04 809 6194 for more information.

Anwa Bab Al Shams Chinese New Year in Dubai

China Tang

To mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse, China Tang is celebrating Chinese New Year with a limited-edition menu inspired by tradition and symbolism. The experience begins with Longevity Yu Sheng, a smoked salmon salad with chicken tossed tableside as a gesture of unity and good fortune. Highlights include Golden Lobster Har Gau, Braised Tiger Grouper with glass noodles, Braised Canadian Lobster in Hong Kong-style sauce, and lotus leaf-wrapped chicken fried rice. Dessert consists of Red Rice Balls, symbolising completeness and reunion. Available from 16 to 22 February.

GO: Follow @chinatang_dubai on Instagram for more information.

things to do in Dubai China Tang

Demon Duck

Ring in the auspicious year at Demon Duck and indulge in a five-course Chinese New Year menu that blends tradition with Chef Alvin Leung’s signature modern flair. The tasting menu features a dim sum basket, slow-roasted Demon Duck, grilled lobster, slow-roasted Demon Duck and Wagyu beef. The evening concludes with the Demon dessert platter, which enhances the celebratory ambience. And if you happen to be there on the opening day, you’ll be able to catch the Lion Dance performance as well. Available from 16 to 22 February. AED 680 (food and soft beverages) or AED 880 (food and house beverages).

GO: Call Visit www.banyantree.com for more information.


MEI

To celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 and the Year of the Horse, MEI will host a week-long dining moment inspired by movement, strength and prosperity. The indulgent menu features Mixed Mushroom Salad, Premium Dim Sum and signature mains such as Peking Duck for sharing, Wok-seared Gulin Lobster and Lemon Seabass, followed by the chef’s special dessert. Available on 16 and 17 February 2026. AED 550 per person.

GO: Follow @mei.dxb on Instagram for more information.

MEI

MiMi Mei Fair Dubai

The FACT award-winning MiMi Mei Fair Dubai is welcoming the Lunar New Year with a four-course set menu inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse. Starters include the Dim Sum “Basket of Wealth”, Rock Oysters and Steamed XO Okra. The signature course features Wok-Baked Lobster with baby pak choi, followed by mains such as Smoked Chilean Seabass in black bean sauce, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and braised truffled mushrooms with green beans and Hakka noodles. Dessert is Baiju Ba Ba, infused with kumquat and green cardamom. Guests can also add a wish to the restaurant’s Wishing Tree using red paper notes, symbolising prosperity, renewal and good fortune. Available from 5 February to 4 March. AED 478 per person.

GO: Visit https://mimimeifair.com for more information.

Chinese New Year in Dubai

MOLI by SHI

Expect lion dances, hand fan shows and live guzheng music at MOLI this Chinese New Year. The set menu leans into bold, contemporary flavours, moving from duck spring rolls and turnip cake to handcrafted dim sum, followed by comforting mains such as Kung Pao chicken, lamb ribs and a Sichuan vegetable pot. A celebratory dessert basket completes the experience. Available on 16 and 17 February 2026. AED 400 per person.

GO: Visit https://molibyshi.com for more information.

MOLI by SHI Chinese New Year

Palazzo Versace Dubai

Honour the Year of the Fire Horse with a Chinese-themed high tea at Mosaico. Overlooking Dubai Creek, you can enjoy traditional Chinese entertainment, festive décor, and a curated menu of sweet and savoury delights. Highlights include Dim Sum, freshly baked scones, and premium teas and hot beverages. Available from 15 to 20 February, from 10am to 7pm. AED 420.

GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for more information.

Suhoor in Dubai

Shangri-La Dubai

Ring in the Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities at Shangri-La Dubai. From 16 to 20 February, Shang Palace presents a curated selection of traditional Chinese dishes priced at AED 388. On 17 February, don’t miss the spectacular Lion Dance performance at 10:08am, a symbolic celebration of luck and prosperity. The celebrations culminate in a special Lantern Festival Menu available for one day only on 3 March, priced at AED 298.

GO: Visit www.shangri-la.com for more information.

Shangri-La Dubai

SHI

Located at Bluewaters Dubai, SHI will celebrate the Year of the Horse with an exclusive menu, a festive dessert and a live duck station. Expect elevated classics such as Har Gau, Chicken Siu Mai and Crispy Prawn Pancake, alongside signature mains including Peking Duck, Wagyu Beef Claypot and Red Snapper with Gan Shao Yu sauce. The meal concludes with a symbolic Yin-Yang dessert. Available on 16 and 17 February 2026. AED 500 per person.

GO: Follow @shi.dxb on Instagram for more information.

SHI Bluewaters